“One of our big new initiatives is to try and open up the opportunity for visually impaired people to work,” he said. “One of the problems is the employers just do not know what people who are visually impaired are capable of. I went to see David Gold because he is one of the largest employers in Surrey. I explained the issue to him and he said he would be delighted to help.

“He will be our business ambassador, and will explain to other business people about how to incorporate some work experience places. Business people understand business people.

“As we move forward, what we hope David will do is explain and recognise the importance of visually impaired people in the workplace. He is prepared to put some effort in to help us.

“If you give them work and opportunities, visually impaired people can make real impact on your business. Given the chance, they can be really good employees.”

Mr Gold will also work alongside SAVI’s newly-created employment group, set up to assist and recognise members who require workplace support or help with finding a job.

Mr Hughes said the aim was to find someone capable of giving SAVI access to areas it does not currently have – adding that Mr Gold could certainly do that.

Mr Gold has been chairman of West Ham alongside long-term business partner David Sullivan for several years. His company, Gold Group International, has an annual turnover of £150 million.

Mr Gold said: “I am very pleased to be able to help empower blind and visually impaired people to use their skills and talents in the workplace, and to stand alongside them in their battle to make employers understand their value. We are in a good position to understand that as we had to work hard to become accepted and valued in the High Street. So we are well equipped to help visually impaired and blind people with their individual struggles to be accepted.”

While Mr Gold is the first SAVI business ambassador, Mr Hughes said there is scope for more in the future.

SAVI is also set to undergo rebranding in March, when its name will change to Surrey Sight.

“SAVI was a rather old fashioned name,” said Mr Hughes. “Sight for Surrey was the name that came out after very wide consultation, not just with visually impaired people but the business community.”

A launch event for the new name and logo, which will be attended by Mr Gold, will take place at The Lightbox, in Woking, on March 3.

The Surrey Advertiser, News & Mail and Staines Informer are part of Trinity Mirror Southern, offering you unique access to our audience across the region online and in print.

We reach an average of 599,113* unique users a month with dedicated coverage of Guildford, Woking, Esher, Staines and the whole of Surrey

80% of our visitors**, who view an average of 2,616,228* page impressions every month, are in the desirable ABC1 socio-economic groups.

To book an advert with the our advertising team, call 01483 508700 or visit the Trinity Mirror Southern website trinitymirrorsouthern.co.uk for more information.trinitymirrorsouthern.co.uk for more information.

We are part of Trinity Mirror Southern, offering you unique access to our audience across the region online and in print..

She has been editorial director of the online and print titles in Surrey and north-east Hampshire since 2007. Marnie previously worked at the BBC as a producer for 5 Live, having moved to national radio from BBC Sussex and Surrey.